When a co-worker retires, it is indeed a special occasion. It is the grand finale of a race.
Ironically, it is a happy and sad moment. Without a doubt, the organization will miss the retiree and the retiree will miss the organization. Typically, a retirement party is given in honor of the person who is retiring. Someone in the organization or in the industry has the lucky job of giving a speech for the retiree.
Let’s say it’s you! But what are you saying? How do you say it? How long do you say it?
First find out how many people will attend. Next, find out who the people are. For example, are they co-workers or customers? It is an unwritten rule (until now) that retirement speeches are somewhat fun and lighthearted, but respectful. After all, it is a good day for the retiree. One they will never forget!
Below are two examples of retirement speeches. The first is a sample speech and the second is a general outline. This scheme could be adapted to suit almost any retirement occasion.
Retirement speech example:
Good afternoon members of the GRAN Industria and welcome to the guests. I have been honored to speak on behalf of my dear friend and colleague, Ms. Patron.
My earliest memory of Ms. Boss was about 40 years ago, when she looked like Mary Tyler Moore, and her vision of becoming a voice for US residents. And I remember thinking, she is going to stay with! this city!
When Mrs. Boss and I got into this business, all those years ago, BIG Industry was a completely different world, with a certain stigma. Our products were, at first, quite small and quite common.
In 19XX, Ms. Boss was instrumental in the approval of mass production, which is commonplace today.
It has had an impact at the state and national level in order to provide a profitable production solution for our customers. In fact, it has pushed for more rigid production standards and licensing requirements, allowing our products to become superior.
This is a significant achievement, allowing our products to bring quality to our customers. That meet or exceed the expectations of state and national goals.
Which means that we have more than 20,000 satisfied customers.
Use this guide to prepare your own personalized speech:
Retirement speech example outline:
1. I remember … think about what the industry was like at the beginning of the retiree’s career.
2. Mention colleagues, other members of the industry who have had an impact on the industry or organization.
3. Mention important milestones in the industry or organization.
4. I remember … I am trying to describe a funny story about the retiree.
5. Look at the future direction of the industry or organization. What will the next generation move towards?
6. What core values have been important to the industry or organization. How have they changed and how have they stayed the same?